National Anthem of New Zealand

'God Defend New Zealand'
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.

Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our State,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.

Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.

May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide her in the nation's van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.

------------------------------------------------------------

Symbolic representations in the form of national flag and national anthem enhance the rich culture and tradition of each and every country. The national anthem of New Zealand is truly a representation of the spirit of the people living there since past many decades. The national anthem of New Zealand binds the country in one string as the people entreat God to grace them and save their land.

Historical Background of National Anthem of New Zealand---

It was in 1870 that Thomas Bracken wrote the lyrics for "God Defend New Zealand" which was well written as poem which also became quite popular in those days. In 1876, John Joseph Woods composed music for this poem and it increasingly found favors in the 19th and towards the early part of 20th century. In 1939, the then government of New Zealand led by John McDermott took the initiative of making it a national song on the occasion of the centennial year of celebration. Subsequent announcement by the then Prime Minister, Mr. Peter Fraser was widely accepted by majority of the people. Though during this phase the matter of proclamation was shrouded by series of controversary, yet in 1976 a bill was tabled in the house of Parliament of New Zealand to officially accept "God Defend New Zealand" as the national anthem of the country. Finally, 21st November 1977 is regarded as the red letter day in the history of New Zealand as the then Minister of Internal Affairs Hon D. A. Highet announced through New Zealand Gazette that the National anthem of New Zealand shall be the traditional anthem 'God Save The Queen' and the poem 'God Defend New Zealand'. It's important to note that 'God Save The Queen' is one of the oldest national anthems of the world and is subject to much debate with words and music of it being restructured at different times.